An octogenarian couple from Ohio who just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, died of COVID-19, just minutes away, holding hands.
Family members said that Dick and Shirley Meek, aged 89 and 87, left their guard to celebrate the 70th wedding anniversary on December 22.
They were admitted to a Columbus hospital where they tested positive for coronavirus on January 8, according to Vicki Harper, one of their daughters.
They died together on January 16. Shirley died first, followed a few minutes later by Dick. The couple never stopped holding hands.
Their deaths came just three days before they were scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, family members said.
Dick and Shirley Meek, ages 89 and 87, died at Columbus Hospital on Jan. 16 weeks after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.
The couple died a few minutes apart while holding hands
The couple had arrived separately in rooms on different floors of the hospital and their conditions began to decline rapidly, Harper told WBNS.
‘We asked [the hospital staff] for them to be together and they said absolutely, ”Harper said.
Debbie Howell’s daughter told the media that Shirley Meek died first while the couple’s favorite song, When the River Meets the Sea by John Denver, played in the background.
“The nurse put my mother’s head on my father’s shoulder and said to my father, ‘Dick, it’s okay to let him go now.’ Shirley is waiting for you “and he passed in a few minutes, she said.
Both meeki were scheduled to receive their coronavirus vaccines a few days later
Family members said that meeki are childhood lovers who have built a “legacy of love.”
Family members said their story should serve as a warning story for others during the pandemic
In an obituary posted at the Fischer Funeral Home, family members wrote that the couple had a “love story for centuries.”
“They had a fairytale ending. Our hearts are broken, but we are at peace knowing that they are together forever “, it is shown in the obituary.
Family members said the meeki were childhood lovers who built a “love legacy” for the five children, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
“Yours was an adventurous life – from outdoor diving to Tyrolean, their list of cups was amazing!” the obituary reads.
Family members said that throughout their lives, the couple made time for daily meetings and a toast between 3 p.m.
Family members said the meeks lived an adventurous life and traveled the world
Family members said Meeks had a wild list of adventures, including skydiving and zip-lining.
We are devastated to lose both at the same time. But, we are blessed that they walked together, hand in hand, through the Gates of Heaven to Eternity “, the obituary shows.
Edwin Meek, who was an Air Force sergeant during the Korean War, was born in Coshocton and turned 90 on Tuesday.
His children described him as a skilled carpenter, who often worked by hand with gifts for family and friends.
“He was a romantic heart and always put others before him,” the obituary states.
Shirley Meek, described as “reserved,” was a housewife and quietly donated to charities each month, the family said.
“She was a passionate shopper and she liked to dress to the end for any occasion, and her sense of style was admired by everyone,” the obituary states.
Family members requested that donations be sent to either St. John’s Children’s Research Hospital. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association instead of flowers.
“COVID took his life from us, so please be safe,” the family said.
